Online: 15th November – 31st December 2021
At Babworth Church: 27th & 28th November 2021
Open to the public on 27th and 28th November 2021, Babworth Art Exhibition is planned to be back in Babworth Church this year – save the date today!
We are inviting artists, historians and musicians to produce artworks, and give talks and recitals….whatever would be fitting and suitable to be exhibited or performed in Babworth Church to communicate the theme of Thanksgiving, however that is interpreted.
Previously created Mayflower-themed artworks will also be welcomed and, as before, there is no selection process, and all are invited to participate.
In 2020, Covid 19 set us significant challenges, however, technology came to the rescue and we went online – this year we are again asking artists to record and curate their work online.
A full brief for artists and performers will be available until 30th October 2021 from info@pilgrimroots.org
There will be an opportunity for local artists to engage with members of the Wampanoag people who are visiting Retford in September as part of a cultural exchange. They will be building a Wetu, a traditional dwelling used by some of the Native American people, in the garden of Bassetlaw Museum between 21st and 25th September 2021. Artists interested in meeting with representatives of the Wampanoag should contact info@pilgrimroots.org.
Background
On 25th November 2021, the 400th anniversary of the first Thanksgiving meal will be commemorated.
This was a meal which was shared between the newly arrived settlers to North America – the Mayflower Pilgrims – and the local population (the Mashpee Wampanoag) who had formed an alliance with them. However, Thanksgiving has been marked, since 1970, among many Native Americans as a National Day of Mourning.
Millions of Americans mark Thanksgiving as a celebration of family and an opportunity to give thanks for what they have. People travel across the country to enjoy a meal together, usually featuring turkey, but the original meal would probably have consisted of shellfish and cereals.
The Babworth Art Exhibition has been a collaboration between BCH, All Saints’ Church Babworth, and Bassetlaw District Council for over five years commemorating the story of the Separatists and Mayflower Pilgrims. The theme of Thanksgiving which became popular in North America developed from these stories. Today its relevance is perhaps broader and can be seen as an opportunity to give thanks more widely.
Bassetlaw Christian Heritage 